StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 begins with a matchup between Astralis and Ninjas in Pyjamas — both teams enter the Swiss stage with a 0:0 score. The winner immediately secures a 1:0 advantage and takes the first step toward the playoffs and Stage 3, while the loser drops into the less favorable 0:1 group. Considering the caliber of both rosters, this match is set to be one of the key storylines in the Stage 2 opening round.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 — top-tier battles
The stage runs from November 29 to December 2 in Budapest. 16 teams are fighting for advancement to Stage 3, including NAVI, FaZe, Astralis, Team Liquid, TYLOO, M80, B8, NiP, PARIVISION, Imperial and others.
Format: Bo1 in non-elimination/non-qualification matches and Bo3 in decisive matches. This creates maximum pressure: one mistake can ruin everything. Astralis vs Ninjas in Pyjamas is the central matchup of the opening round, where both teams aim to make a strong statement immediately.
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Head-to-head — a fully renewed giants clash
Astralis and Ninjas in Pyjamas have not faced each other officially with their current lineups. Both teams have fresh tactical identities and different styles — no historical advantage for either side.
Current world rankings:
- Astralis — #11 in the world
- Ninjas in Pyjamas — #32 in the world
On paper, the advantage lies with the Danes, but NiP have strong momentum.
Current form
- Astralis — experience and strict structure
Astralis (#11 HLTV, #12 VRS) are showing consistent form: wins against NAVI, The MongolZ and 3DMAX prove that the team is stable. Play driven through device and Staehr provides strong AWP control and structured mid-round decisions. The team excels in tactical late-round adaptations.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas — momentum at the perfect time
NiP (#32 HLTV, #28 VRS) picked up three straight wins in Stage 1, including victories over FaZe and Lynn Vision. The team displays explosive aim and aggression in early duels. Their main boost comes from the current form of xKacpersky and sjuush, who have significantly improved individual numbers. NiP enter Stage 2 fired up — and that could be their biggest strength.
Map Pool & Veto
Statistics over the last 3 months (Astralis | NiP):
- Dust2: — | 20%
- Mirage: 30% | 0%
- Inferno: 36% | 33%
- Nuke: 69% | 64%
- Train: 25% | 78%
- Overpass: 33% | 50%
- Ancient: 67% | 67%
Expected veto:
- Astralis remove Train — where NiP have a 78% win rate
- NiP remove Mirage — a comfort map for Astralis
Likely picks:
- Astralis: Nuke — one of their strongest maps with historically powerful CT sides
- NiP: Overpass — aggressive map control and solid trading
Decider: Ancient — almost equal chances for both sides (67% vs 67%)
Key duels
- device vs xKacpersky — the sniper battle and primary storyline
- jabbi vs sjuush — a Danish duel in crucial entry roles
- Hooxi vs r1nkle — who sets the team pace
Prediction
Astralis possess structure, experience and stability at this stage of tournaments.
NiP are riskier, aggressive and unpredictable — their style hits hardest when they win early duels.
In a Bo1, a single mistake can end the match — and Astralis rarely make those.
Predicted result: Astralis 1–0 Ninjas in Pyjamas
